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7 Ways to Identify Antique Writing Tables

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Relevant categories: Desks

Date
May
10
2022

To View Our Range Of Writing Tables Please Click Here

French Antique Desk Writing Table - Rococo Furniture

( Above Photo: French Antique Desk Writing Table - Rococo Furniture )

The writing-table was an integral part of the home office or library. It was helpful in tasks concerning writing and reading. Antique writing tables often feature exquisite materials and impeccable craftsmanship, making them worth the investment for collectors and average citizens.

Antique writing tables are highly versatile when acting as working surfaces. Or you may want to display a writing table in your living room. The artisan used to make them is unique and can complement any interior décor style.

Finding the right writing table for your home office with a trained eye, which you might not have. Besides, there are many mediocre reproductions and antiques and poor restoration works. Here is to identify antique writing tables:

( Above Photo: Antique Gothic Desk Writing Table - Irish President Mary Robinson Oireachtas )

( Above Photo: Antique Gothic Desk Writing Table - Irish President Mary Robinson Oireachtas )

1. Take Your Time

When hunting for an antique writing desk, don’t be in a hurry. Take time to peruse your options, if possible, from different sellers. Also, research about writing table styles and manufacturer’s marks. Instead of going to a brick-and-mortar store, start with online auctions. However, if you want the feel of a writing desk, make sure you view them in-store.

2. Dovetail Joints

Antique writing tables have dovetail joints at the joinder points like the meeting point of the desk drawer front and the sides. Dovetail joints have characteristic triangular shapes extending from one piece of wood and fitting neatly into the space in the other piece of wood.

Mahogany Sheraton Desk - Revival Writing Table 1890

( Above Photo: Mahogany Sheraton Desk - Revival Writing Table 1890 )

3. The Craftsmanship

In the ages before the industrial revolution, furniture makers took time to create lavish writing tables. Thus, antique writing tables are likely to have intricate details, including carvings and metal decorations.

4. Handcrafted imperfections

Did you know that most antique furniture has defects? As counterintuitive as that may seem, it is one of the best ways to authenticate an antique writing table. For example, you’ll likely notice variations in the wood types, asymmetries in the overall table outlook, and irregular dovetail joints. These are indicators that the table was crafted by hand rather than by machine.

5. Maker’s Marks or Labels

If you check the table’s nooks and crannies, you’ll likely see several maker’s marks and labels. Apart from telling you about the maker, these labels provide an effective way of dating the furniture piece. However, if the label looks newer than usual, it could be a modern reproduction and not the antique writing table you want.

Victorian Desk - Walnut Writing Table Circa 1890

( Above Photo: Victorian Desk - Walnut Writing Table Circa 1890 )

6. Wood and Materials

Writing tables were mainly made from different types of wood, including mahogany and oak. However, some had a leather writing surface, making them very comfy. Many had veneers and metallic drawer fixtures depending on the period of manufacture.

7. Two-Sided Design

Unlike other table types and desks, writing tables were two-sided. Thus, two people could sit on either side facing each other. Separating the working surface for the two people is a narrow shelf or crossbar.

 In Conclusion,

You have a unique way to decorate your home or a functional work surface with antique writing tables. You can get one either online or in-store from your favorite antique shop. Check with us for options!

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Redwell Wood Farm / Potters Bar / Herfordshine, EN6 3NA, UK

Website Developed by Nulence